Mary Elizabeth Rhodes

May 23, 1926 - August 14, 2017

Mary Elizabeth Kennett Rhodes, age 91, of Mena, Arkansas died Monday, August 14, 2017 at her home. She was born on Sunday, May 23, 1926 to Thomas Andrew and Lillie Branum Kennett in Leachville, Arkansas.

Mary earned her Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Home Economics from the University of Arkansas, taught home economics at Leachville High School in Mississippi County, Arkansas and at Dixie High School in Craighead County, Arkansas. She began working as Extension Home Economist for Greene County, Arkansas in 1956 and ultimately became the first woman county department chairman for Extension Service in Arkansas. She retired from the Extension Service in 1981. In 1973 she married Harold Rhodes in Paragould, Arkansas. While living in Paragould she enjoyed being a member of her book club, bridge club, and church circle. She was an avid Razorback fan and loved to call the Hogs. After moving from Paragould to Mena in 2012, Mary attended Grace Bible Church. Mary enjoyed gardening and working in her flower beds. She was a loving mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, great grandmother, and a great friend. She will be missed by all who knew her.

She is preceded in death by her parents; and her loving husband, Harold Rhodes; five brothers, Norman Kennett, Everett Kennett, Bryan Kennett, Dee Kennett, and Jimmy Kennett; and one sister, Ruth Phillips.

Mary is survived by two sons and daughters in law, Robert and Suzanne Manis of Mena, and Charlie and Crete Rhodes of Paragould, Arkansas; two daughters, Sharyn "Ruby" Kay Manis of Mena, and Anne Rhodes Mullis of Memphis, Tennessee; six grandchildren; nine great grandchildren; and a host of other relatives and friends.

A memorial service will be held at Saturday, August 26, 2017 at 11:00 AM at the Grace Bible Church in Mena with Dr. Lamar Austin officiating. Cremation services are entrusted to Bowser Family Funeral Home in Mena.